Sapphire City Motor Inn
Environmental Statement

At the Sapphire City Motor Inn we believe strongly in minimizing our impact on, and the sustainability of our environment.  We seek to continually reduce our impact and actively seek out the suggestions of our friends and guests to achieve our goals.  We have spent in the vicinity of $100,000 in recent times to ensure that we do so.

We do this by our actions, small and large: -

• Recycling – All rooms, reception, our kitchen and laundry have a bin for recyclables; and cardboard packaging is recycled.  Our target is to recycle 50% of waste materials that enter the motel.

• Green energy – We have installed a solar energy system to harvest energy from the sun. This will generate approximately 20% of our energy needs and this will be enhanced over time.

• Low wattage lighting – Where practical and possible we utilise low wattage or fluorescent lighting to minimise energy usage.

• Exterior lighting – Where possible our exterior lighting is low wattage or fluorescent. Unlike many commercial properties our lighting is on an automatic timer so they do not burn energy all night.  After hours lighting is provided by lighting equipped with motion sensors.

• Green shower heads – After a lot of research we have installed shower heads that meet two requirements – firstly they had to provide you, our guest, with a great shower; and secondly they had to be ‘green rated’.  While lower water consumption shower heads are available we have compromised to ensure that your shower is great.

• Printing – The majority of our paper usage has been reduced from A4 to A5, and where waste paper does not contain guest details we re-use the second side.

• Cleaning products – While some motels are moving towards ‘chemical free’ we wish to ensure that your room is as clean as possible.  Wherever practical we utilise environmentally friendly cleaning products.
  
  

How you can help us: -

• Energy consumption – When you leave your room please ensure that lights, air conditioners, TV’s and electric blankets are turned off.  When operating the air conditioners please ensure that all doors and windows are closed.  Air conditioners work most efficiently when set at 22 degrees, with energy consumption increasing by around 10% for each 1 degree hotter or cooler.

• ‘Stay Green’ – We welcome any contribution from you towards assisting us in furthering our green strategies.  For on-line bookings on our own website we have included a ‘Stay Green’ option that you can select.

• Cleaning – If you are staying for more than one night do you want your room fully cleaned every day?  By not cleaning your room each day this reduces the chemicals being used and released.  To opt out of a daily clean please advise us at reception, or just let us, or one of our friendly staff know your requirements.

• Washing – Each load of washing uses a considerable amount of water and chemical.  Should you be staying more than 1 night and you are happy to reuse your towel please hang it over the rail or shower recess and we will leave it for your reuse.  For guests staying for longer periods we will change your bed linen each 3 days (and on departure) unless you tell us otherwise.
  
  

Suggestions

While we cannot afford to adopt each and every suggestion we are certainly more than willing to listen and learn.  We do what we can, but always aspire to do more.